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Lewis Tilley
Ortez Modernist Family Portrait – 1940s Abstracted Interior Scene with 5 Figures

1947

About the Item

Ortez (Modernist Family Portrait) is an abstract gouache on paper painting by Lewis Lee Tilley (1921-2005), created in 1947. The piece depicts a family of five sitting together on a couch, captured in a modernist style. The composition uses rich jewel tones, including green, blue, purple, and pink, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. The painting is presented in a custom frame, with outer dimensions measuring 28 ¼ x 29 ⅜ x 1 ⅜ inches, and the image size is 17 ¾ x 19 ¼ inches. Provenance: Private collection, Colorado About the Artist: Lewis Lee Tilley, born in Parrott, Georgia, in 1921, was a versatile artist whose career spanned multiple disciplines. After completing his studies at the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Tilley worked as Art Editor for the Atlanta Journal before diving into radio as a station director. Tilley’s artistic journey took him to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center School, where he became both a student and an instructor under the mentorship of Boardman Robinson. Tilley’s work reflected his broad background as an artist, author, designer-illustrator, and producer-director for Alexander Film Company. He also earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from the University of Guanajuato and Instituto de Allende in Mexico. Tilley was a prolific writer, authoring articles for American Home, Leica Photography, and Architectural Forum, among others. Throughout his career, Tilley embraced modernism and was known for his bold and colorful compositions that often focused on abstract and figurative forms. His contributions to the art world are widely recognized, and his works continue to be celebrated for their unique style and vibrant energy.
  • Creator:
    Lewis Tilley (1921 - 2005)
  • Creation Year:
    1947
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 28.25 in (71.76 cm)Width: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 258431stDibs: LU27310673182

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